Week 15; November 28-December 2

I rate this week a 5. 

Observe: I taught a Dance for Hanukah to 1st grade. I was a bit unsure about how it would work out, because it is performed in partners, and it is two parts. But, they did awesome, and I was really proud of them!

Reflect: I taught a Dance for Hanukah to 2nd grade. I had not rehearsed the process of teaching the movements to them, and the lesson was a bit rough. I realized I should have written out a more detailed process of teaching them the movements for something that involved so many steps. 

Focus: My short term goal for this week was to create my philosophy video, the last “big” component of the portfolio I had not completed, aligning with the long term goal of completing my entire portfolio…and graduating!

Be Productive: If I may be so honest, I wish I could have spent more time sleeping this week. I have thoroughly enjoyed student teaching but am looking forward to a little break. 

Have Courage:  I was teaching the movements of “Sleigh Ride” to fourth grade; four parts, plus a hand jive, and coda. It was really tricky, and I feel like I should have practiced it more to help them get farther with the movements, but we will work on it again next week, and I plan to be more prepared

Begin Anew: Edit all the written assignments of the portfolio and get ready to present on Wednesday!

Week 12; November 18

Observe: Second grade performed a folk dance this week. My CT encouraged me to teach the dance to half the class, then the other half, so that they perform separately. I did this for most classes; however, there were a couple of classes that I decided to allow the entire class to perform the dance at the same time. I allowed this for the classes that were easier to manage and had the more mature students. It was a successful process.

Reflect: To assess the ability levels of different classes and to be prepared for those, as often there are different levels of achievement ability among classes of the same grade. 

Focus: My short term goals for this week were to finish a couple of written components of the portfolio, including my philosophy, aligning with the long term goal of finishing my portfolio and graduating from college.

Be Productive: My screencasts. I still haven’t begun those.

Have Courage:  I had a sub with me for a couple of days because my CT went out of town. While I was teaching, she would correct behavior and sometimes ask me questions, which was sometimes distracting. I thought about mentioning this to her but decided not to. I believe that was the wise decision, as she was ultimately kind and helpful and I just had to adjust to a different style (my CT does not interrupt my lessons). 

Begin Anew: Prepare to conquer the screencasts.

Week 11; November 7-10

I rate this week a 4. 

Observe: This week, I taught fifth grade because my CT was absent (she usually teaches fifth grade). I taught three fifth grade classes concurrently and it went amazingly well. 

Reflect: This week, I learned a bit about a fourth grade student who went through trauma before he came to school in kindergarten. This will help me to better deal with his sometimes difficult to manage behavior in the classroom.

Focus: My short term goal this week was to finish edTPA, helping me complete my long term goal to graduate.

Be Productive: I’m not really sure; I’m not always productive but I usually try to use my time well. 

Have Courage: When I filled in for my CT for fifth grade on Tuesday, it was last minute notice (about 1 hour before I taught). Since I am not used to this group of students, classroom management was more difficult. I was a bit apprehensive about how firm to be and what classroom management strategies to incorporate (as what works better is different for each class). 

Begin Anew: To do my final editing of edTPA and submit it.

In fourth grade, students played a game in teams to answer questions related to a Pentatonix interview. Teams’ results revealed that one of the questions I wrote was not worded in a way that was easily understandable to fourth graders. I taught this lesson six times, so I reworded this question, and students were more successful. 

Find out as much as possible about individual students—it helps to understand their behavior and to reach them at their level. 

Standard 1b, “ Teachers demonstrate leadership in the school.” I worked with two substitutes this week when my teacher was absent. I did all of the teaching, but they were present. It was a bit distracting when the first sub started correcting students during my lesson (as my CT rarely to never does this). It was, however, definitely a learning experience. 

Standard 2c, “ Teachers treat students as individuals.” I learned some specific information about the fourth grade student I mentioned above. I definitely plan to take this into consideration when teaching him. 

Standard 3b, “ Teachers know the content appropriate to their teaching specialty.” This week, I did a lesson on the ballet, “Rodeo.” I did some research in order to explain about this ballet as an American ballet, the plot of the ballet, and the concept of “curtain call.” 

Standard 4e, “ Teachers know the content appropriate to their teaching specialty.” Students worked in teams to answer questions related to a Pentatonix interview. They were required to discuss answers with their team members, and students took turns being the “scribe.” 

Standard 5c, “ Teachers function effectively in a complex, dynamic environment.” Out of all the standards, I think perhaps I have grown the most in this one. Change is definitely constant, in any classroom, but especially in elementary. Students are constantly moving in and out of the school, it is typical to witness several students crying throughout the day (in the hall and/or in my class), and bodily function accidents are common. Within these changes, it is important to balance instruction, leadership, and nurturing of the students. 

Week 9; October 24-28

I rate this week as a 4. 

Observe: I was able to practice classroom management strategies in some challenging situations (described below). 

• Reflect: My focus student had trouble in class this week. I will meet with him next week and discuss the reason behind some of his inappropriate behavior and possible ways to improve it. 

• Focus:  I have a “portfolio map” with everything that is still outstanding for me to complete, and the date on which I plan to complete it.

• Be Productive: Honesty time again. Less media.

• Have Courage: I wrote a conduct letter to a student for the first time this week. It was for him repeatedly not following directions and disrespecting another student, despite multiple warnings. Discipline is difficult for me; especially when I know the student has a difficult home life, which impacts their behavior. This boy has a difficult home life, and it honestly makes me just want to adopt him and give him support. Afterwards, I was a bit apprehensive about whether I should have written the letter. I just hope that he receives guidance from his teacher and that the letter prompts him to change his behavior. I never want to discipline in a way that beats a child down, I just want to manage behavior in a way that ultimately helps the student. These are challenging situations. 

• Begin Anew: It’s especially challenging teaching the lessons for the first time on Mondays, because I teach nine classes in a row, with only a fifteen minute break after the seventh class. So, I just need to be focused and ready to teach all brand new lessons on Monday. 

Advice: Embrace moments to encourage students and show that you care about them. You may just be the only person that shows them that all day.

Standard 1c, “Teachers lead the teaching profession.” Now that I have been teaching full time for six weeks, I have built relationships with many of the faculty members. I have had conversations with some of the homeroom teachers and other travel teachers regarding specific students and how to accommodate them. Since they are experienced, I ask what they do in certain situations. I discuss what I have done and ask for their feedback. I enjoy learning from them and implementing the strategies to benefit the students. 

Standard 2a, “Teachers provide an environment in which each child has a positive, nurturing relationship with caring adults.” There have been two injuries in the classroom that have resulted in students crying. In both situations, I consoled the kids and tried to be funny to get their minds off their injuries. It really warms my heart when I have the opportunity to comfort a student who is sad, and they cheer up. 

Standard 3c, “Teachers recognize the interconnectedness of content areas/disciplines.” This week, I taught a lesson on Dance Macabre, by Saint-Saens. In this, we discussed that the composer was from France and how to pronounce his name (that in the French language the endings of words are not usually pronounced). We also viewed France (where the music was written) on Google Earth. We discussed the unique way in which music could be shared and enjoyed among different cultures. 

Standard 4g, “Teachers communicate effectively.” In the final edTPA lesson this week, we did review and post-assessment. In the review, I gave students much opportunity to discuss the information and ask any questions. I also asked them a lot of open ended questions regarding the material. We reviewed by viewing pictures, reading facts aloud (displayed on the board), and listening to audio clips. 

Standard 5c, “Teachers function effectively in a complex, dynamic environment.”  A part of this standard is understanding that change is constant. This past week, there have been many surprises in the classroom, including but not limited to—broken A/C in the classroom, yellow jackets flying around the room during third grade Veterans’ Day music rehearsal, a bleeding lip (and many tears) because of a body collision in kindergarten, a smushed finger (and many tears) because of a body collision in first grade, a first grader who would not leave the classroom (conduct letter), a first grader who would did not follow directions throughout the class period (another conduct letter), a kindergartener who wet his pants and the carpet during class, and a third grader with emotional/anger management problems screaming shut up in another student’s face. As a teacher, it is essential to be aware that unexpected, challenging situations can happen at any time. The best way to learn how to handle these situations is for them to occur, to work through them, and to reflect on any ways they could have been handled better. I think I’ve had enough surprises and growth with this standard this week. No more surprises, thank you. 

As far as support, I just want to make sure that I am on track with how to impact the School Improvement Plan. 

Week 8; October 17-21

I rate this week a 5. 

• Observe: I was delightfully surprised at how well the edTPA percussion lesson went this week. The students improvised on drums to accompany a song from Panama, and went really awesome. 

• Reflect: I will be more prepared with the processes of the activities in the lessons, specifically for kindergarten.

• Focus:  I’m completing my commentaries to finish my edTPA segment. I’m also recording my screencasts this weekend to complete my technology portfolio component. 

• Be Productive: To be honest and vulnerable, I spent too much time on media this week. I’m sure none of you can relate. :) 

• Have Courage: There are always those instances a few times each week where I am apprehensive about whether I was too strict/not strict enough with management in the classroom. 

• Begin Anew: Be prepared to teach final edTPA lesson—post-assessment!

Data: Informal assessment revealed that my Friday first grade class needs more practice with singing in their head voices. 

Advice…don’t procrastinate. If you have already procrastinated, stop procrastinating stopping your procrastination. 

Standard 1d, “Teachers advocate for schools and students.” I am really making a specific effort to incorporate the jargon used in the Positive Behavior Intervention and Support system at Spindle Elementary. There are about 10 different phrases that teachers should incorporate into their teaching. For example, teachers should tell students to “be proactive” if they want them to be responsible. They should tell students to “synergize” if they want them to work together. This is part of my school improvement plan, and it is my goal to use this language at least once in every lesson. 

Standard 2b, “Teachers embrace diversity in the school community and in the world.” After students were playing the drums with “Al Tambor,” a student raised her hand and shared that she spoke Spanish and understood the song. Then, I encouraged her to share the translation with the class, emphasizing how it was really awesome that she understood the Spanish lyrics and that music was allowing us to connect with another culture. 

Standard 3c, “Teachers recognize the interconnectedness of content areas/disciplines.” All of third grade is rehearsing Veteran’s Day music for an upcoming opportunity for them to sing at the Rutherford County Salute to Veterans. In each lesson, we discuss what it means to be a veteran versus active duty,  why we express gratitude for those who serve in the military, and sacrifices that military members make. Their music lessons therefore connect with topics of history. 

Standard 4d, “Teachers integrate and utilize technology in their instruction.” For edTPA this week (fourth grade), students took a virtual quiz on their iPads, on www.quizizz.com. It’s user friendly, free, and students really seem to enjoy it. It provides immediate feedback to teachers and students. I highly recommend it.”

Standard 5c, “Teachers function effectively in a complex, dynamic environment.” As I mentioned, fourth grade took a virtual quiz. In one class, I was specifically aware of a student who comprehends at a first grade level. So, I sat/stood near her and sometimes would explain the meanings of the words in order to ensure her understanding as best as possible. This strategy is called comprehension monitoring. 

Dr. Soja, thanks for all your support. :D

Week 7; October 10-14

I rate this week a 5. 

• Observe: I was animated with the littles when I told a story to complement their cows song. I was also animated with the story “Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything.” My CT was pleased and even giggled during my teaching. 

• Reflect: I had to remove a few kindergarteners from the lesson. At the end, one of them came up to me and apologized, and I melted. This made me realize that even if I have to correct a student, if they improve their behavior, I should try to emphasize this. 

• Focus:  Short term goals for this week were completing four professional development activities, aligning with the long term goal of completing professional development for my portfolio. 

• Be Productive: I should have done more portfolio work this week. 

• Have Courage: I was apprehensive about giving a class a honeycomb (which is earned for good behavior for the entire class); so, I didn’t give them one. Afterwards, I felt as maybe I was too strict and should have given them one. Although there was some excessive talking and not following directions, there are two students in that class that really struggle, and I want to make sure I am holding them to high expectations, yet not being too strict. 

• Begin Anew: Our week has been beginning on Tuesdays because of Labor Day holiday, but this week I will begin teaching new lessons on Monday of each week. Monday is our most hectic day as well, so I need to make sure I am comfortable with each grade’s lesson and the back-to-back transitions (seven in a row). 

Standard 1a, “Teachers lead in their classrooms.” I was able to tell a story to kindergarteners that complemented their lesson. The story was on Carl who loved cows, and his journey as a Spindle student, who graduated from RS Central High and went on to college. Even with the littles, high school graduation can be promulgated. 

Standard 2d, “Teachers adapt their teaching for the benefit of students with special needs.” I have communicated with the homeroom teacher of the class to which I am teaching my learning segment in order to specifically find out what accommodations she makes for the students with IEPs. Strategies to implement include: allowing the student with ADHD to complete assessments in a private, quiet area; and having the student sit in the front of the classroom. For lower readers—reading written questions/directions aloud, providing visual aids, lowering written assessment vocabulary two grade levels, and allowing students to work in partners.

Standard 3a, “Teachers align their instruction with the North Carolina Standard Course of Study.” I am of course incorporating literary instruction into my edTPA learning segment. This week, students will specifically focus on identifying and describing. This will require knowledge of and correct use of discourse taught throughout the segment thus far. 

Standard 4f, “Teachers help students work in teams and develop leadership qualities.” This week, fourth grade participated in a game in which they identified instruments of the orchestra. They worked in teams and competed for the highest scores. 

Standard 5b, “Teachers link professional growth to their professional goals.” This week, I was able to attend professional development seminars. Topics included: reaching students who are in high poverty, web page design, technology integration, and drumming in the music classroom. 

My advice to student teachers is to be authentic with the students. When I was teaching third grade this week, I made a mistake that was very noticeable to them. I just giggled a little, and when I did, most of them did too. Most all the time, students are the ones being corrected by the teachers. When they see that teachers make mistakes too and are willing to admit them, they can relate to you. It definitely closes the gap and allows bonding with the students. 

I would definitely appreciate feedback from Dr. Soja regarding my Standards notebook when she comes to observe on Monday.

Week 6; October 3-7

I rate this week a 4. 

• Observe: I taught a global lesson to third grade on the music of China. They played rhythms on the glockenspiels and xylophones to accompany a song sung in Sichuan. It went much better than I expected, and one of the students said, “It was really fun today!”

• Reflect: The procedure for one of the second grade activities did not go very smoothly the first time. It was an activity to music, but we needed to practice more before I put the music with it. It definitely improved as the week went on. 

• Focus:  A short term goal is for me to take the information from the interest survey and begin implementation of a behavior plan, aligning with completing a plan that improves the behavior long-term (and completing this aspect of the portfolio). 

• Be Productive: I used to use the planning time we had more wisely. Now I find myself spacing out during these blocks of time. Sometimes, I feel like my head is spinning off and I need a mental break. But I just want to be aware that I am not spending too much time in “Chrysalis land,” because I have a tendency to do that.

• Have Courage: Still working on being more animated with the littles. 

• Begin Anew: Next week, because of teacher workdays, there is one day that we need to teach material as a stand-alone lesson. So I just need to prepare these lessons and be prepared to teach them on Tuesday. 

Standard 1c, “Teachers lead the teaching profession.” Each Wednesday, all of the travel teachers meet together. This week, I had a conversation with the other teachers about how it was important to incorporate life lessons (such as appropriate social conduct and morals) into the lessons, even if it meant pausing the lesson to reinforce this information. Usually I just sit quietly during these meetings, but I was glad to have conversation and collaborate with the other teachers this week.

Standard 2b, “Teachers embrace diversity in the school community and in the world.” This week, I taught a lesson to third grade that incorporated global awareness. Students orchestrated a song from China sung in Sichuan. I displayed a map, marking where they lived and where the song was sung. At the beginning and end of the lesson, I reminded them that music was unique because it could be enjoyed all over the world. Students also learned the meaning behind the song, purpose of singing the song, as well as read the English translation. 

Standard 3b, “Teachers know the content appropriate to their teaching specialty.” This week, I had to do some research regarding parts of the brass instrument for my edTPA lesson. I also had to do some research to explain about the Sichuan dialect in China, as well as the purpose of the Chinese song the students orchestrated. 

Standard 4d, “Teachers integrate and utilize technology in their instruction.” This week, I taught a lesson on the brass family and used assessment on www.quizziz.com, where students completed a virtual assessment on their iPads. 

Standard 5a, “Teachers analyze student learning.” I am continuing to analyze student learning as I teach each grade’s lesson multiple times throughout the week. Each time, I realize something that could have been done more efficiently in order for students to achieve maximum learning. 

My advice to student teachers would be to take some personal time and to make sure you are getting enough rest. I have already been sick twice this semester, and it is especially challenging to teach long days when you’re sick. So just take some “you” time sometimes. 

And my CT and I are great with Dr. Soja’s support. 

Week 5; September 26-30

I rate this week a 4. 

• Observe: This week, I taught two more folk dances, one to 2nd grade and one to 3rd. It went much better than I expected, and thankfully I remembered all the movements for each.

• Reflect: I taught a 1st grade lesson in which the students played the glockenspiels up and down. I did not think through the process enough before teaching it the first time, and had the five students playing the glockenspiels facing the students who were not. This made it confusing when they rotated (because they had been viewing it backwards). It went much better in the other lessons though. This taught me to think through processes with more detail

• Focus:  A short-term goal is to begin teaching a global unit for 3rd grade next week, aligning with completing the global awareness aspect of my portfolio.

• Be Productive: I suppose I always feel like I could use my free time more wisely, i.e., more portfolio work and less “me” time.

• Have Courage:  My CT suggested I be more animated with the kindergarteners. It wasn’t because I was apprehensive but just because I wasn’t thinking about it. I’ll work on being more fun and interesting for them.

• Begin Anew: Getting ready to teach edTPA lesson 3!

My advice would be to do a little something for your CT and administrators to let them know how much you appreciate their support. A note, candy, a gift card, etc. to let them know you are grateful for this experience.

Standard 1e, “Teachers demonstrate high ethical standards.” I have definitely tried to be aware of making sure that I am always being fair and respectful towards students. Specifically, I have tried to be aware that I would still be willing to call on and choose students to participate even if they struggle with their behavior. Sometimes it is hard to find a balance between bringing inappropriate behavior to students’ attention but still giving them a chance to participate. I have also asked my CT specific questions about students in order to have an awareness of whether behavior is a result of a poor attitude or perhaps an extension of a very difficult home life, as these require different responses to behavior. 

Standard 2a, “Teachers provide an environment in which each child has a positive, nurturing relationship with caring adults.” I am now building relationships with students, and it is very sweet that many of the kindergarten and first graders are hugging me as they leave the classroom. Many of these students receive their only emotional support at school. Although I want to always maintain a professional relationship with them as their authority, I also want to nurture them as much as possible. 

Standard 3b, “Teachers know the content appropriate to their teaching specialty.”For my edTPA, I am teaching the four instrument families of the orchestra. I have done research for the woodwind lesson that I taught this week to make sure that I was prepared in case a student asked a question.

Standard 4c, “Teachers use a variety of instructional methods.” I have definitely had an opportunity to build this standard through edTPA lessons. I have incorporated activities that utilize visual, aural, and kinesthetic assessments. I have incorporated technology into the past two lessons, and next week, students will take a virtual quiz on their iPads. 

Standard 5a, “Teachers analyze student learning.” I continue to analyze student learning, especially for my edTPA lessons. This shapes how I plan future lessons and revise lessons throughout the week as I teach them multiple times. 

I am now working on my global awareness lessons and classroom management interest survey for a student I have selected. I am continuing work on my edTPA learning segment. I have almost completed my website and resume, and I have completed the demographics brochure. 

Week 4-September 19-23

I rate this week a 5. 

• Observe: I taught my first edTPA lesson to fourth grade, and it went really well!

• Reflect: I taught fifth grade, which was very similar to a choir rehearsal, because they are preparing for the December program. I was really grateful for the preparation I’d had for teaching chorus in Secondary! I realized that it is really important to listen to the students and to revise the rehearsal procedures depending on their performance. I felt the most out of my comfort zone with this lesson than with any other, but I am looking forward to more opportunities to become more efficient in teaching choir. 

• Focus:  My short term goal this week was heavily focused on edTPA and formatting my lessons correctly, aligning with the long term goal of having my edTPA completed by the first of November. 

• Be Productive: More time rehearsing the music for fifth grade, so I could be more confident in teaching it. Less time staying up too late for “free” time. 

• Have Courage:  There have been a few instances when a student approached me and said another student did something to them (stuck out their tongue, pushed them, etc.). When they are transitioning and another class is waiting on me, I really don’t know what to do other than say “I’m sorry,” and send them on their way. Although this should probably be addressed, there have been a couple times I have not been able to address it and am a little unsure how to do so.

• Begin Anew: For next week, I definitely need to have my 2nd edTPA lesson formatted and materials prepared. Also, I need to be physically and mentally prepared for the 220 kids I will teach on Monday. 

I collected data for the edTPA assessments. The data revealed that perhaps I’m teaching a bit above the students’ level. My learning unit is on the orchestra, and many of the students had not even seen a violin before. I just want to make sure I am teaching high enough for them to learn new material but not give too much new information for them to grasp. 

My advice to fellow ST’s would be to keep the main focus of the student teaching experience to invest in the lives of the students. Also, to encourage the faculty with whom you work, especially your CE. Even a little note or a small gift can be a great encouragement. 

Standard 1a, “Teachers lead in their classrooms.” Today was “College Friday,” where we were able to wear a college t-shirt and talk about the college we attended to the students. This is especially important for students in the area which I am teaching,  a high poverty district. I have had many opportunities to lead in this class throughout my first full week of teaching this week. I have collected data and planned/revised lessons based on this data. I have also worked to create and maintain an orderly classroom where each student feels safe in their learning environment. 

Standard 2c, “Teachers treat students as individuals.” I really strive to not show partiality to students in any way. I convey high expectations for each student but keep in mind that students are at different places in their lives and have different skills and talents. Sometimes it is a huge accomplishment just for a repeating kindergartener to be able to stand in the circle and participate in the dance. Yet is is very important to recognize that student for his or her achievement. 

Standard 3d, “Teachers make instruction relevant to students.” It is possible to grow in this standard while teaching even the most seemingly unlikely lessons. For example, I taught half-note pulse with a game that required students  standing in a circle, bouncing a ball to the pulse, bounce passing the pass to another classmate, and singing a song. This group activity incorporates the 21st century life skills of leadership (students leading/being in charge of themselves), adaptability, and social responsibility to 2nd grades-while having an awesome time too!

Standard 4a, “Teachers know the ways in which learning takes place, and they know the appropriate levels of intellectual, physical, social, and emotional development of their students.” This week, while teaching full-time, I have become aware of several students who have needs including mild autism/Aspberger’s, anxiety, and ELL students. This knowledge really helps me be aware of how to specifically interact with these students in order to create the most productive and comfortable learning environment possible. 

Standard 5a, “Teachers analyze student learning.” I have the opportunity to teach each of my edTPA lessons five times. I taught the first one this week, and the fourth time was today. I chose to teach some of the concepts differently because of data I had collected and analyzed.

I have started (and almost finished) my website, my edTPA lessons and commentaries, my resume, the school improvement plan, and the leadership/collaboration project.

I definitely appreciate Dr. Soja’s continued feedback questions on my edTPA lessons.

Week 3; September 12-16

• Observe: This week, I taught 4th grade community (folk) dancing. My CT and I were both pleasantly surprised at how smoothly it went, although it was my first experience with community dancing. It was also great to see smiles and laughs on the kids’ faces.

• Reflect: There is a kindergarten class that is very difficult to manage behaviorally. Mrs. Deaver and I agreed to team-teach this class until we established firm discipline and guidelines for them. I taught them on Wednesday, and I learned that I can (and should) use a firm and stern voice to correct disrespectful behavior. Sometimes, this is difficult for me, because it is not my personality. However, many of these children receive no guidance at home and to not provide it for them would be doing them a disservice. 

• Focus:  I began working on my edTPA lessons this week, and have completed three of them so far. I am preparing so far in advance since I only see these kids once a week.

• Be Productive: I am not exactly sure what I could have spent less time doing, but I feel like I can never spend enough time on portfolio work!

• Have Courage:  When I was teaching kindergarten, I was a bit apprehensive concerning how to manage the class behavior. When I was not firm enough, Mrs. Deaver stepped in to discipline. I am very grateful she did, and I learn from watching and listening to her classroom management.

• Begin Anew: I definitely need to be comfortable with the flow of all six lessons for each grade I will teach next week. So, I plan to rehearse/practice the sequencing quite a bit this weekend.

I would rate this week as a 5.

 This week, I gathered information for the three students for which I will adjust my lessons for edTPA. This will help/is helping me to add/adjust activities for my learning segment in order to accommodate these learning needs.

I would advise my fellow STs to begin work on edTPA lessons and commentaries as soon as possible. Although it is a bit overwhelming to begin these this early in the semester, ultimately it is beneficial because it allows time to revise lessons and feel more comfortable with the process.

Standard 1d, “Teachers advocate for schools and students.” This week, I have had much practice with classroom management. Both schools at which I teach are PBIS (positive behavior intervention and support). Teachers are encouraged to correct behavior through positive jargon (such as “be kind,” instead of “don’t be unkind,” “I should only hear silence,” instead of “don’t talk”). Also they are encouraged to ask students questions in order to correct behavior. For example, in a 4th grade class, a student told another one to shut up, and I responded, “Was that kind?” This prompts students to consider their own behavior and its outcomes. 

Standard 2d, “Teachers adapt their teaching for the benefit of students with special needs.” This week, I have worked on revising and creating activities of my learning segments for a student with a reading deficit and an ESL student.

Standard 3c, “Teachers recognize the interconnectedness of content areas/disciplines.” This week, I have taught a fourth grade lesson that acknowledges the three patriotic holidays that were this week (Patriot Day, Anniversary of The Star Spangled Banner, and the Anniversary of the Constitution). We sang two patriotic songs, but before singing I asked the students what they knew about each of those days, and I filled in missing information. This connected history and music. 

Standard 4b, “Teachers plan instruction appropriate for their students.”

I have been gathering teaching materials for the six different grade levels that I teach each week. My CT has given me wonderful resources, and the Internet has a plethora of information. Collecting student data also helps to plan appropriate instruction.

Standard 5a, “Teachers analyze student learning.”

Something that I am really enjoying about teaching elementary music is that I teach the same lesson as many as seven times. Each time, I have opportunity to revise the process and teaching approach. It is very rewarding to see evidence of my teaching improving as I teach it multiple times, realizing ways that I can explain or demonstrate concepts more efficiently, and seeing the students grasp the concept better. Continually analyzing teaching ultimately results in greater student achievement.

This week, I have mostly focused on the first two edTPA lesson plans, as well as the commentaries for task one. 

I would definitely appreciate a short meeting with Dr. Soja after seminar on Monday regarding my edTPA lesson plans. I just want to make sure I am beginning on and staying on the right track and covering all aspects of edTPA. 

Week 2; September 6-9

I rate this week as a 5.

Observe: I taught fourth grade this week, and it went really well. I felt even more relaxed and natural in front of the students than I expected. Also, my CT and I agreed that my teaching improved throughout the week.

Reflect: I am definitely learning a lot about classroom management and how to react/not to react to certain behaviors in the class in order to maintain order and structure.

Focus: This week, I talked in detail with my CT about my lessons for the edTPA learning segment. I will actually write all five of those next week so that I can begin teaching the segment on September 20. This aligns with the long-term goal of completing edTPA by the beginning of November.

Be Productive: I have begun many aspects of the portfolio, but I of course could work even more on things that could be completed right away (the website and demographic info, for example).

Begin Anew: For next week, I must be prepared to teach kindergarten, second, and fourth grades. This is eighteen classes total. I have been observing and inquiring for information about the students that I will focus on in edTPA. For advice to my fellow ST’s, make sure to keep your focus on serving and teaching the students. When I feel overwhelmed with portfolio requirements, I remember the most important reason for this experience—to teach and love the students with whom I come in contact each day.

Standard 1a, “Teachers lead in their classrooms.” I have not been working in depth to build this standard; however, I have been collaborating with my CT in order to use data to contribute to the learning and ability of students and to maintain an orderly classroom. I am sure much more growth will take place concerning this standard when I assume full control of the classroom.

Standard 2c, “Teachers treat students as individuals.” Since I began teaching full classes, I have had opportunity to build this standard. Although I have become aware of students with more extensive learning needs, I still strove to have high expectations for each student.

Standard 3c, “Teachers recognize the interconnectedness of content areas/disciplines.” This is definitely a standard I have been working to build as I construct my lessons for next week. I will be incorporating a bit of history into my lessons in order to recognize Patriot Day.

Standard 4g, “Teachers communicate effectively.” After teaching the lesson several times, I learned more effective ways to communicate the expectations to the students in language that was developmentally comprehensible. It really helped their success.

Standard 5a, “Teachers analyze student learning.” The first time I taught the lesson, it was a bit tricky to juggle thinking through the order of the lesson, convey the information effectively, focus on each individual students’ abilities, AND correct/scaffold them. I definitely think I improved in this area throughout the week.

It would be wonderful if I could meet with Dr. Soja next week after seminar in order to go over the edTPA in relation to my learning segment to begin on the 20^th.  

Week 1; August 29-September 2

I would rate this week as a 5.

I have been able to prepare and plan a fourth grade lesson for me to teach to four classes next week.

I observed my CE throughout the week teach a total of thirty-seven classes of students. I especially focused on her classroom management (her approach to correction, which students required more attention, which behaviors she took class time to correct and which she ignored, etc.). I will definitely use these observations to shape my classroom management for these students.

A short-term goal I have is to teach the entire fourth grade next week. This aligns with my long-term goal of teaching my edTPA learning segment to these fourth graders. I decided to teach them first in order that I could have the longest amount of time to teach them and get to know them. I hope this will achieve the most successful learning segment possible for my portfolio but most of all for the benefit of the students.

I have begun working on many aspects of the portfolio. I need to make sure that I continue increasing this time each week, as my classroom teaching becomes more involved.

The first logical step is to practice teaching my fourth grade lesson in order to teach it as smoothly as possible. Regarding mental clutter, I think it will be helpful to keep a schedule of what I need to work on regarding the portfolio, and when. There are many aspects, so sometimes it feels overwhelming just to look at the list.

Regarding advice to share with other student teachers, I would say just to make the most of every opportunity to speak to the students and/or parents and encourage them. Even something as simple as a thirty second chat in the hallway can really brighten a student’s day. You may be the only person who has taken a genuine personal interest in that child all day.

Regarding Standard 1, my experiences helped to build 1e, “teachers demonstrate high ethical standards.” I had the opportunity to be a part of the Exceptional Classroom and to hold the hand of one of the children during the fire drill. I made an effort to nurture this student, show her fair treatment, and give her respect.

Regarding Standard 2, my experiences helped to build 2e, “Teachers work collaboratively with the families and significant adults in the lives of their students.” Although I have not been able to do this extensively, I have had the opportunity to meet many parents and grandparents who come to pick up their children. I have made an effort to take a personal interest in them and their children.

Regarding Standard 3, my experiences helped to build 3d, “Teachers make instruction relevant to students.” Many components of the lesson I have written for fourth grade incorporate 21^st century life skills.

Regarding Standard 4, my experiences helped to build 4f, “Teachers help students work in teams and develop leadership qualities.” My lesson incorporates students working together in order to achieve the proper sound for the song they are playing and singing.

Regarding Standard 5, my experiences helped to build 5a, “Teachers analyze student learning.” This week, I have written down as many names of the students as possible and have made note of strengths and challenges which I observe. I hope to use these analyses to shape future lessons and have already shaped my fourth grade lesson based on some of these observations.

I have started the school improvement plan analysis/reflection, I have begun research for the leadership collaboration project, I have a complete resume, and I have created a website skeleton.

My CE and I appreciate Dr. Soja’s prompt responses to provide clarity to our questions regarding the portfolio.